1973 Opel Ascona vs. 2001 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2001 Opel Zafira is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Zafira is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Zafira (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1973 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Zafira should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Zafira weights approximately 510 kg more than 1973 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Opel Ascona is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Opel Zafira, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Opel Zafira (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Zafira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Ascona. 2001 Opel Zafira has automatic transmission and 1973 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1973 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Opel Zafira will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Ascona | 2001 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Ascona | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2700 mm |
